Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Q: “What’s the best way to tuck your shirt in? I always get that blousy, frumpy effect when I tuck mine in. My Dad tucks his shirts in his briefs, would you suggest I do the same?” - Eric, Quezon City

A: There are several reasons why you can’t tuck your shirt in neatly:1) It could be too big for you. I’m guessing that this is likely the reason why your shirt is billowing out of your pants. The best solution is to have some tailor made. If that’s too much for you, then at least have your off-the-rack shirts altered exactly to your body proportions before you wear them. This solves 90% of tucking-in problems.2) It’s probably not designed to be tucked in. How do you know? Look at the hem. Shirts that have a straight hem are designed to be worn untucked (for those still saying “tuck out”, for God’s sake, please realize that “to tuck” necessarily means an inward cramming movement – sorry pet peeve moment there). Shirts with a u-shaped hem are meant to be tucked.

As for using your briefs to hold your shirt in, you better be sure you won’t be taking your pants off because that’s just plain nasty.